Kenneth Wayne Utley

Kenneth Wayne Utley was born November 16, 1951 as a gift to Percie and Claude Utley. Kenneth and his sisters, Charlotte and Cynthia were raised in Logansport, Louisiana as young children before the family eventually settled and established roots in Houston, Texas. Kenneth was reared and nurtured in Christ at a very young age. He attended North Forest Independent School District, where he graduated from the historically first integrated class of 1970 at M.B. Smiley High School.

A very adventurous man, Kenneth’s profession in the oil and gas industry, aeronautics and industrial fabrication lead him to travel the world and create beautiful memories that he often shared with his children. Throughout his career at Schlumberger Offshore, Grumman Aerospace Corporation and other corporations, he made many life- long friendships that would turn into a brotherhood that he loved and cherished and that would also remain until his last days. Kenneth began his retirement years after more than 17 years as a laborer from Caterpillar Machinery Company.

In 2002 he reunited with his first love Grace Frazier and was married and made Wharton his home with her until the end of his days. Having God as the head of his life, he joined Mt. Scilla Baptist church under the leadership of Reverend Carl Spradley(deceased), where he accepted his ordination as a deacon in 2005. He served proudly and faithfully under the current Pastor Dale Clayton until his failing health did not allow him to serve any longer.

Kenneth was also the President of the Educational Committee at Mt. Scilla Baptist Church and Sunday School teacher for Beginners. He served as a member of the Brotherhood and sang with the Male Chorus also at his church. In the name of comradery, he also was a Lifetime Member of TL Pink Alumni and Ex-students Association.

An avid car collector, Kenneth enjoyed restoring classic cars as a pastime and attending antique car shows. He enjoyed road trips- especially the ones that ended up in his favorite city in the world, New Orleans. A very stylish man with impeccable taste, Kenneth had a passion for well tailored clothes always.

Kenneth’s love ones that have proceeded him in this life includes his father, mother and oldest sister. Kenneth leaves to cherish is memories his saving “grace”, wife Grace Utley, youngest sister, Cynthia Utley Bell and children: Kenesha Black of Houston, Tx, Kenneth Utley, II of Houston, Tx, Tanika Randall (Edward) of Duncanville, Tx and LaMoya Smith (Melvin) of Houston, Tx, He Also leave behind three grandchildren: McKenzie Smith, Michael and Matthew Randall, one aunt, Ruth Barnes as well as an abundance of family and friends.